Vision of Buddhism: The Space Under the Tree [Paperback]

Roger Corless (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1557782008 | ISBN-13: 978-1557782007 | Publication Date: April 13, 1998 | Edition: 1st

A lucid and elegant introduction to the essentials of Buddhism. "Every introductory Buddhism course needs just this book". -- Jeffrey Hopkins

Editorial Reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: Paragon House; 1st edition (April 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557782008
• ISBN-13: 978-1557782007
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #489,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( B ) > Buddha

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a very accessible summary of Buddhist thought., April 30, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Reed City, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vision of Buddhism: The Space Under the Tree (Paperback)

In this excellent and very readable book, Dr. Corless (a professor of religion at Duke University) uses the life of the Buddha as a framework for introducing the major concepts of Buddhism to a general readership. He accurately and concisely covers the major ideas of South, Central ane East Asian Buddhism and shows a fine respect for all of them. Zen, Theravadin Buddhism, Chinese Pure Land and Tibetan Vajrayana are all well represented and put into perspective. Despite its broad scope, this is an easy to read and inspiring, as well as informative, book. The author has mastered the art of speaking to those of us who are neither scholars nor specialists. "The Vision of Buddhism" does not go over our heads, and Dr. Corless never talks down to us. I highly recommend it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to spirited buddhism, February 15, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Vision of Buddhism: The Space Under the Tree (Paperback)

I've probably read 1000 books on buddhism, and Corless' book still gave me new insights and new ways of looking at the Dharma. *THE* book I recommed to friends who ask "How can I learn something about Buddhism."

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The other reviews are dead on, February 24, 2002

By 

Shadi Mirza "Avid gamer and reader of fantasy... (Yecheon, South Korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vision of Buddhism: The Space Under the Tree (Paperback)

This book is indeed one of the best introductions to Buddhism one can possibly read. Corless applies his own experience with the religion, to all of the teachings he presents in the book. Keep in mind that a lot of what is included here is explanations of the Buddhist idealogy, not anything that you can really practice.

Use this book as more of a factor in deciding if Buddhism is the right religion for you. Corless even takes the time to write some excellent footnotes, so you could even consider this book for research.

I think the reason this book worked so well for me was the fact that it was presented in such a non-threatening way that it makes the book easy to absorb. Keep in mind that careful reading is important, as a lot of chapters reference previous chapters. This is not a determent to the quality of the book, rather it is important to the building block style of teaching Buddhism that the book represents.

Buy this book as a great introduction if you have even the slightest interest in the Buddhist vision. You won't be disappointed.